Hello my darling dancers! Emma here, back from another whirlwind journey through time. This month, my trusty steed, the magnificent Meg, whisked me back to the year 1872! My dear, what a year for ballet! The excitement in the air was simply electric, and I wouldn't miss it for the world!
So, saddle up my lovelies, because it's time for another captivating time-hopping tale! Today's date, October 10th 1872, marked the start of a sensational season of ballet performances all over the world. I hopped straight into my sparkling pink tutu, popped on my darling ruby slippers and mounted my exquisite Meg. You'd think a horse wouldn't fit into a portal, but, darling, Meg has a knack for time travel – pure magic!
The London Ballet Scene
I was straight off to London! The Royal Opera House was in full swing with a programme packed with some of the greatest names in ballet history:
Madame Katinka (Catarina) Frascani, known for her expressive movements and captivating stage presence, was delighting audiences with her performance of Giselle! This captivating work was all the rage back in the 1840s, but still, captivated audiences in 1872, showing the enduring appeal of a truly exceptional ballet.
And in another exquisite treat, the illustrious Carl Müller was enchanting audiences with his breathtaking performance of Le Lac des Cygnes! My darlings, imagine a man gliding across the stage, in perfect harmony with the beautiful swan costumes. It was like seeing a story unfold right in front of my eyes!
You simply couldn't escape the glorious Lucile Grahn, whose flawless technique and powerful presence dominated the scene. A true icon, her influence resonated across the dance world, with even contemporary choreographers citing her as an inspiration.
And last, but certainly not least, the young and prodigious Cecily Stokes, whose nimble footwork and delightful expression were setting the stage ablaze. It's a privilege to watch such budding talent take flight – the future of ballet was bright indeed!
A Whirlwind of Tutu Delights
After London's incredible offerings, my journey took me further afield, landing me in the magical metropolis of Paris! Now, Paris in the 1870s, darling, was bursting at the seams with exciting new ballet ideas. I found myself at the Paris Opera House where:
- The Paris Opéra Ballet, a dazzling spectacle of beauty, grace and strength, captivated audiences with their new production of The Nutcracker. And can you imagine my delight when I saw how those exquisite dancers gracefully transformed into dolls!
Beyond Paris, to Russia & New York City
From Paris, I whisked across continents to St Petersburg, the cultural epicentre of Russia! And my darlings, let me tell you, the Mariinsky Ballet, was as grand as its name! The precision, the technique, it took my breath away. They were staging a heartwarming production of La Bayadère – it was like witnessing a beautiful dream come alive, full of romance, drama, and a little touch of tragedy. Just breathtaking, darling.
Of course, no trip through time is complete without a visit to the New World! New York City in the 1870s was just brimming with energy and the thrill of the new! I discovered that a young dancer named Isadora Duncan was creating quite a stir in the ballet world. Her expressive style, influenced by ancient Greek traditions, was shaking up the classical scene. It's like watching history in the making – I can just feel it, my dears.
A Trip Through Time
I spent hours wandering around the beautiful and bustling cities, savouring the excitement and vibrancy. I popped into ballet shops in Paris, picking up vintage tutus and dancing shoes , not to mention some glorious costumes with sparkling sequins! I also tucked into a charming café in Vienna and savor the aromas of warm bread and cinnamon. And let me tell you, my darling, the coffee is quite delectable!
And let me not forget the magic of the street performances. I saw street dancers and street musicians add their unique flavours to the cultural landscape. It reminded me of the wonderful performances I used to catch back in my home county of Derbyshire, just before hopping onto Meg.
You know, my darlings, it's moments like this which really remind you that the love of dance transcends time and space. Even with the differences between these eras, one thing remains a constant - the passion, grace, and artistry that makes ballet so enthralling.
I love finding vintage photos in old antique stores – the photos of ballet dancers of 1872 in those full tutus – simply heavenly.
Oh, and the most beautiful thing I collected was this antique pink tutu – I was walking around the flea markets of Paris when I discovered it. You can only imagine how excited I was! The owner said it belonged to a renowned dancer back in the early 1870s, someone very important to the history of dance, and he would not let me have it. It looks almost like something a fairy might wear. My goodness, I felt like I'd hit the jackpot.
After spending what felt like only an eternity absorbing everything about 1872, it was time to go back to the present so I could share these magical moments with you! As always, Meg was ready and waiting for me! She is always there to get me back safe and sound and back to where I can start planning my next magical journey through time! I'm thinking Italy in the late 1800s for the next trip! You just can't beat it. The magic of time travel never fails to enthrall me.
And while I'm at it, don't forget my motto - "Every day's a good day for a tutu!" So put on that tutu, get moving, and don't forget to spread some of that pink sparkle wherever you go!
Love,
Emma
